NICU Journey of Baby James

February 12, 2026 – On June 19, 2025, Shanteria Dixon and James Binion, Jr., welcomed their son, James Binion III, affectionately called “Jay” or “J III”, into the world. Born prematurely at just three pounds five ounces, he faced an immediate and critical challenge due to complications during pregnancy and his early arrival.

Dixon’s pregnancy was complicated by cervical insufficiency, a condition where the cervix opens prematurely without contractions, and chorioamnionitis, a serious bacterial infection affecting the fetal membranes. These conditions ultimately led to James’ preterm birth and respiratory failure.

“Walking into the NICU for the first time was overwhelming,” Dixon, a physician herself, recalls. “But the kindness and professionalism of the staff immediately gave us comfort. We felt our baby was safe 24 hours a day.”

The NICU nurses, including Joselyn, Linda and Shelain, provided exceptional care and patiently explained every detail, treating James as if he were their own child. Dixon particularly praises Neonatologist Carleen Bryan, MD. “Her humanity and excellent bedside manner stood out. She was relatable and supportive of my breastfeeding journey. As a fellow physician, it was a relief to know someone genuinely cared about us and my child.”

For five weeks, the NICU became the Binion family’s second home. “We spent many hours every day by James’s side and only left during shift changes when visiting wasn’t allowed,” says Dixon. “It was one of the hardest times of our lives, but the staff’s empathy was incredible. They understood exactly how to support our emotional and mental needs.”

Jay’s medical care included brief intubation due to respiratory failure, as well as light therapy for elevated bilirubin. He also received a blood transfusion for anemia. Despite these challenges, Dixon says his NICU stay was not nearly as complicated as many others, and for that they are grateful. The length of his stay was largely due to gestational age requirements; babies must reach at least 35 weeks before discharge. Jay was able to go home the day he turned 35 weeks.

Prior to Jay’s birth, Dixon spent five weeks in Wellington’s antepartum unit. She has deep gratitude for the labor and delivery team. “The nurses treated me like a human being, not just a patient,” she adds. “I wasn’t just ‘Room 13.’ They comforted me during difficult days, laughed with me during the good times, and reminded me there was light at the end of a very dark tunnel.”

Dixon would recommend the NICU to other families. “Everyone from secretaries to nurses, physicians, radiology techs and respiratory therapists was amazing and caring. Their empathy and warmth made a difficult time easier to bear.”

Today, Jay is thriving. “He smiles all day unless he’s hungry or sleepy,” says Dixon. “And even then, he is happy as soon as he’s fed or comfortably settled. The transition home wasn’t easy at first, but he’s progressing wonderfully. He’s already ‘talking’ in his own way, and I have video proof.”